Well, Well...

When you’re exploring social justice issues how often are you exploring the realities of ableism? If you’re like most people, then likely not enough. Tune in to our latest episode as we explore what ableism really means and offer some perspective shifts to be a better supporter of those who live with disabilities, remove stigma and improve access. Additional reading: Supporting Someone with Chronic Pain via Viva Wellness blog (link) Disabling Ableism via Dignity and Respect (link) Spoon Theory Basics (link)

It’s been about a year since everyone posted those black squares on social media but where are we now? Social justice issues are still at the forefront of our lives. Black lives are still at risk. Asian people are experiencing violence and harassment at alarming rates. Queer and trans folks still disporpotionately face violence.  You want to learn more and do better, but where do you start? We’re here to help! In this latest episode we break down the theme of social justice and what it means in day-to-day life and mental health.  Tune in, join the conversation and share your thoughts. Related reading: The Burden of Being Woke & Why It’s OK to Rest (via the Viva Wellness blog) What is ‘Sealioning’? - A Type of Trolling (via Merriam-Webster)

Do you think that you handle conflict well in your relationship? Maybe have some areas in which you’d like to improve?  Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Also: do you know where the phrase “piggyback” come from?! Tune in as licensed therapist Rachel and Jor-El offer some helpful feedback on navigating conflict when you can’t necessarily create a lot of distance.  We hope this helps! You may also enjoy reading: How to Handle Arguments in a Relationship

As an increasing number of people get vaccinated against COVID-19 and time charges on, we are getting closer to the next chapter in navigating the coronavirus pandemic.  How do you manage conversations around boundaries and challenge yourself, and others, when appropriate? Therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo weigh in on these tricky times with some things to consider as you move forward. We hope it helps you practice greater self-awareness, identify ways to share, and better communicate with those around you. You can view the current CDC recommendations for fully vaccinated people at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

Unfortunately, mental health has been in the news recently as many have tried to make sense of the high profile gun violence in Atlanta and Boulder.  Listen in as therapists Jor-El and Rachel explain why that conversation is problematic and how we should be exploring the relationship between mental illness and violence (among other things…).  Please join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We’d love to hear from you about this episode and what other topics you’d like to see covered on the podcast!

For most of us we’ve spent a year (or more) living with the pandemic of COVID-19. As more people get vaccinated and things start to open up for more in-person services how do we get back to “normal”? Mental health counselors Rachel and Jor-El share some thoughts on how you might think about getting to a new normal in this new world and how to manage some of your thoughts and anxieties about it. Tune in to the latest episode and join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc.  Enjoy!

What role does fear of failure play in your life? Unfortunately, failure is a part of life. By understanding what we’re really scared of when it comes to failure, we can learn how resilient we can be.  Tune into our latest episode to hear licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El explore what failure means and some practical things to consider in facing down our fears and anxieties about not succeeding. Join Feel free to share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We look forward to hearing from you!

Wanting to move forward on your goals and not feeling the motivation to do so is an uncomfortable feeling. There are many reasons why we might get stuck in these moments and we’re here to help!   Tune in to our latest episode as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo discuss being stuck and offer up some ideas on how to get un-stuck too.  What helps you find motivation when you can’t power through?  Feel free to share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We look forward to your thoughts.   Related reading:Get Those Goals   Your Goals Should Be Smart   How to Fight Self-Sabotage    

Do you have a hard time saying no? If so, this episode is for you! In our latest episode licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on something most people struggle with - saying no! Tune in as they discuss some straightforward strategies to say no and other factors to consider when you’re trying to set a boundary with someone.  We think this episode can be helpful no matter the situation you find yourself in. Please join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. We’d love to read your thoughts! Related reading: http://vivawellnessblog.com/2020/07/09/its-not-always-about-like/ http://vivawellnessblog.com/2020/08/13/dont-worry-its-ok-to-say-no-to-people/ http://vivawellnessblog.com/2021/01/25/the-problem-with-self-care/

Do you consider yourself a productive or a “lazy” person?  This is a big conversation that’s happening these days, especially as many of us struggle to stay productive during the pandemic.  Well, we can help! Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El use their experiences as licensed therapists to provide support and insight to help you move forward when you’re feeling unmotivated and unproductive. Hint: you’re not a lazy person!  Say it with us, “I am not lazy but I can be lazy.” And, as always, join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify.

How are you sleeping these days? Is it easy or difficult for you? Many people struggle with sleep issues each year and today we’re diving into one of the most commonly reported issues in mental - how to get better sleep!  Tune in as Viva Wellness licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo talk through sleep hygiene basics and finding your own path to better sleep. Join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. Related: The One Yoga Pose I Do Nightly for Better Sleep Resource: Sleep Hygiene Basics (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) Sleep tight!

Whatever happened this year for you, take it with a grain of salt. Tune in to the latest episode as Rachel and Jor-El talk through some suggestions on how to process and reflect on 2020 and what that means for the upcoming year. How are you reflecting on this year? Join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. Take care!

Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-love...these are all REALLY loaded terms. There’s an expectation that we unabashedly love ourselves, but is that actually even possible? Listen as licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on these ideas and share some personal stories of self-acceptance too. Join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. Take care!

Are you struggling to manage your mental health this holiday season? Us too! Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo talk about the realities of making it through the holiday season during a pandemic. Learn some suggestions on how to manage your mental health and manage your perspective as you navigate the holidays safely. Please share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. Take care!

We have a new president-elect! 2020 has been rough and certainly election week has been a tough one for all of us. Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El reflect on the presidential election and how politics affects mental health.  Please share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. Take care!

Do you struggle with accepting, or appreciating, your body? You're probably dealing with the effects of diet culture! Join the conversation as therapists Rachel and Jor-El explore the problems with diet culture. They talk about the insidious nature of diet culture and how that's even impacting us during the pandemic.  We hope you find this conversation helpful. Please share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Take care!

How is your relationship with social media these days? Probably worth talking about, right? Have no fear as Rachel and Jor-El talk about managing social media and mental health generally and through the dumpster fire that is 2020. In this episode you’ll get some practical tips and things to consider as you work in creating a healthier relationship with social media (pro tip: avoid doomscrolling!). Doomscrolling During COVID-19 via Healthline Social Media: Is it Bad For Your Mental Health? via Viva Wellness You can follow Jor-El on Pinterest here: https://www.pinterest.com/jcaraballolmhc/

In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El are talking all about women in sport! We’re honoring National Women’s Health and Fitness Day by talking about some prevalent issues related to women athletes and spectators as well as highlighting some (but not all!) inspirational women in sport. We hope that you enjoy this episode and take a moment so share it with a woman in sport you find inspirational.   And as always, please leave a rating and review on iTunes and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc.    Related reading:The Myth of the Falling Uterus   People to follow: Naomi Osaka @naomiosaka Caster Semenya @castersemenya800m Adrianne Haslet @adriannehaslet Brave like Gabe/Gabriele Grunewald @bravelikegabe Diana Nyad @diananyad Lauren Fleshman @fleshmanflyer Nikki Hiltz @nikkihiltz Amelia Boone @arboone11 Alysia Montaño @alysiamontano Mary Cain @runmarycain Tatyana McFadden @tatyanamcfaddenusa Kara Goucher @karagoucher Tianna Bartoletta @tianna.bartoletta Allyson Felix @af85 Megan

We’re all for positive thinking around here, but that doesn’t mean lying to ourselves either! Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk about using the power of positive thinking to help find refuge, even in difficult circumstances.  They also share some good news and examples in their own lives to help illustrate the simple practice of paying attention to the good.   John Sterling Calls (on Twitter)  Stumpy: the Labrador is a Hero for Other Dogs Rachel Wyman (Montclair Bread Co.) on Ali on the Run Podcast  

Losing someone you love is an incredibly painful process. It’s something we all experience at one point or another, but we often don’t talk openly about the messy process of grief. That is unless you're Rebecca Soffer. This week, Rachel and Jor-El are joined by Rebecca Soffer, the co-founder of Modern Loss. Modern Loss is a community of people living with grief (basically everyone in the world) that offers space to honor the pain, absurdity and humor in the grieving process. We hope you find refuge in this conversation.Please share your thoughts on grief with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Take care! Follow up with Modern Loss at www.modernloss.com and on all the socials @modernloss.